I went to a church recently and the Vicar spoke about love. He said the King James Version uses the word charity to emphasise that love means doing.
A beggar was standing outside, and asked people for money as they left the meeting.
But most of them walked straight past him, without a gift or even a Hello.
Oh.
I recalled James 2: 16ff: ‘ If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?’
Now I’m sure everyone could justify why they didn’t give:
‘He’ll spend it on drink.’
‘He’s there every week.’
‘He knows Christians are a soft touch.’
‘Charities say that giving to beggars makes them worse.’
I’ve used most of these excuses myself, and still do, sometimes.
But Jesus made it simple. He said: ‘Give to those who ask.’
Maybe this guy was taking advantage. So would I, in his situation. But he was poorer than me and the well-heeled people in the meeting.
So, we had a duty to give. No excuses. As the Vicar said, Agape love means doing.